Ethan Nwaneri made Premier League history on Sunday as the Arsenal midfielder became the youngest ever player in the English top flight at 15 years and 181 days.
Nwaneri came off the bench late on as the Gunners returned to the top of the table with a 3-0 win at Brentford.
Born in 2007, he wasn’t even alive when the Emirates Stadium was opened in 2006.
And there was a classy moment after his debut when goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale stopped him from heading back up the tunnel and directed him over to Arsenal’s fans, ensuring the milestone man got his moment in the sun.
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He broke the record previously held by Liverpool’s Harvey Elliott when he appeared for Fulham aged 16 years and 30 days. Nwaneri also set a new landmark for the youngest Arsenal player in any competition that was held by Cesc Fabregas.
Nwaneri had been expected to spend the season with Arsenal Under-18s but he was quickly promoted to the Under-21s following his impressive performances.
Injuries to captain Martin Odegaard and Oleksandr Zinchenko had left Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta short of midfield options.
“It was a pure gut feeling,” said Arteta.
“Yesterday he had to come because we have injuries, especially the injury of Martin and then I had that feeling from yesterday that if the opportunity could come that I was going to do it.”
“I think it sends a strong message about who we are as a club. I told him yesterday he would be with us and he had to be ready. He is ready. When he went on I said: ‘Congratulations and enjoy it.’
“We want to give opportunities. When there is talent and personality and when players love what they do, and when they have no fear, the doors are open for them to explore where they can go.”
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